'Like the Grand Canyon to us': Othello Tunnels to partially re-open this summer
A major tourist attraction in Hope, B.C., that’s been shut down for more than two years because of flood damage will partially re-open this July.
The popular Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park were heavily damaged during the atmospheric rivers that pounded Hope in November of 2021, bringing 120 mm of rain in a single weekend.
“There was a pile of water going through like we’ve never seen before,” recalled Hope Mayor Victor Smith.
All that water did significant damage to the park, known for its historic tunnels, which had been attracting as many as 800 visitors a day during summer months.
“We’ve had various movies (filmed) there, of course, (including) Rambo,” explained Smith of the park’s popularity.
“On a small scale like Hope, it’s like the Grand Canyon to us…. It’s a place you want to see and people keep coming back and they bring their friends,” he explained.
The Ministry of Environment has committed $4.5 million to repair the park, which saw more than 30 sites damaged, including the five tunnels that were built in 1914 and are considered an engineering feat of their time. They were part of the Kettle Valley Railway.
The ministry said bridge foundations were also impacted during the flooding along with the stability of the canyon slopes above the tunnels, increasing the risk of falling rocks.
"Coquihalla Canyon Park and Othello Tunnels are extremely popular, and their spectacular beauty and unique features provide good reason," said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy.
"We know people have been waiting a long time for the park to safely open…we are designing and rebuilding more resilient infrastructure so it can better withstand the impacts of climate change."
Hope’s mayor said his community is ecstatic about the planned re-opening of the first two tunnels in July.
“It’s very important. It’s the fifth largest visited attraction in B.C.,” Smith said.
The remaining three tunnels are expected to re-open next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hackers release corporate data stolen from London Drugs
Retailer London Drugs says cybercriminals who stole files from its corporate head office last month have released some of the data after it refused to pay a ransom.
Toronto man falls off his chair after seeing $70M Lotto Max win in his bank account
A Toronto man who won $70 million in a recent Lotto Max draw literally fell off his chair when he saw the funds in his bank account.
Montreal-area high school students protest 'sexist' dress code
Approximately 50 Montreal-area students — the vast majority of them female — were suspended Wednesday after their school deemed the shorts they were wearing were too short. On Thursday, several students staged a walk-out to protest what they believe is a "sexist" dress code that unfairly targets girls.
Oilers' Henrique, Stars' Hintz out for Game 1 of West final
Top-line Dallas Stars centre Roope Hintz will still be out of the lineup for the Western Conference Final opener Thursday night against Edmonton, which is still without forward Adam Henrique.
'Looking over our shoulders': A killing looms large in a little B.C. town
Something shifted in the pretty little village of Lumby, B.C., after Tatjana Stefanski vanished. It used to be the sort of place where parents let their kids roam free or play in the local creek, but everything has changed.
What is 'slapped cheek disease' and should parents be concerned?
Despite its rough name, experts say most cases of 'slapped cheek disease' are mild and not a cause for concern.
American Airlines retreats after blaming a 9-year-old for not seeing a hidden camera in a lavatory
American Airlines has distanced itself from a court filing in which the carrier said a nine-year-old girl should have noticed there was a camera taped to the seat of an airplane lavatory.
Unknown Newfoundland soldier from the First World War heads back home from France after 100 years
Canadian soldiers and government officials arrived in northeastern France this week for a historic mission: returning an unknown Newfoundland soldier back home.
Calgary Philharmonic takes action following investigation into 'deeply troubling' comments by 2 musicians
The Calgary Philharmonic has confirmed its taking action after controversial online comments made by two members of the orchestra.